MELIÁ GROWS GREECE PORTFOLIO: Meliá Hotels International has widened its footprint in Greece with the signing of a new franchise agreement for a hotel in Elounda, Crete. The hotel will open under the INNSiDE by Meliá brand and launch a premium lifestyle brand, which caters to a new generation of travelers. The signing marks Meliá’s fifth property in Greece as well as the Greek debut of the INNSiDE by Meliá brand. The existing Elounda Ilion will be renamed INNSiDE Crete Elounda and will open in May. The renovated and rebranded luxury 85-room hotel sits atop a hill overlooking the Gulf of Elounda and offers direct sea views. The signing builds upon Meliá’s partnership with Zeus Hotels, which has resulted in a collective offering of more than 1,050 rooms.
KAJ HOSPITALITY ACQUIRES HILTON HOTELS IN FARGO: KAJ Hospitality has acquired two Hilton properties in Fargo, N.D. — Hilton Garden Inn Fargo and Home2 Suites by Hilton Fargo. The acquisitions mark KAJ’s fifth and sixth properties in the Fargo area. Located in the city’s shopping district, Hilton Garden Inn Fargo offers 110 rooms, a restaurant and bar, a fitness center, pool and six meeting spaces. The hotel’s guestrooms and public spaces will be refreshed. The newly-refurbished Home2 Suites by Hilton Fargo offers extended-stay accommodations featuring fully-equipped kitchens, a fitness center and an indoor swimming pool. Both the hotels are located adjacent to each other near the West Acres Mall. With these two additions, KAJ manages 17 Hilton, Marriott and IHG hotels across the Midwest.
EMERALD STAY ACQUIRES TWO SAINT-TROPEZ MANAGEMENT COMPANIES: Emerald Stay, the luxury rental and property management firm and portfolio company of Limestone Capital AG, has acquired a majority stake in Bo-House SAS and Fabio Home Services SAS, two property management companies operating in the Saint-Tropez area. The acquisition will grow Emerald Stay’s footprint in the luxury rental and property management sector. Limestone Capital recently increased its stake in Emerald Stay through an investment round. Catering to high-end clients, Bo-House has more than 170 properties under management and offers a suite of services to guests and property owners. Fabio Home Services has over 80 properties under recurring agreements.
CITIZENM LAUNCHES CO-WORKING BENEFITS: citizenM is expanding its membership program to include co-working benefits across its global portfolio of 34 hotels. The initiative will serve the demand for flexible workspaces and offer on-the-go solutions. Co-working membership benefits include access to co-working spaces and societyM meeting rooms; along with discounts on F&B and members-only events. Co-working at citizenM is available for all members of the mycitizenM+ membership program.